Apprenticeship opportunities limited for school leavers
New research has found that more than a third of school leavers struggle to find apprenticeship opportunities in their area.
According to The Co-op, 48% of school leavers believe apprenticeships offer the best way to join the workforce but 38% said they can’t find opportunities close to home.
The challenge is more extreme for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, 73% of whom said they would consider an apprenticeship, with 33% saying there are no suitable apprentices in their areas and the same number saying they can’t afford to relocate to take advantage of apprenticeships.
Meanwhile, 26% said they don’t know how to find or apply for apprenticeship roles, 25% said they lack the confidence to apply, and 20% said they are not offered support from schools.
Apprenticeship opportunities
To bridge the gap, Apprenticeship Central has been set up to help employers identify emerging talent while also providing the support young people need to find and apply for apprenticeship opportunities.
The company said:
“The research from Co-op highlights the urgent need for action. Businesses, government and training providers must come together to break down the barriers preventing young people from accessing apprenticeships.
“The establishment of Skills England offers a promising step forward, but more must be done to ensure fair access to apprenticeships and unlock the potential of the next generation.
“At Apprenticeship Central we are committed to ensuring that every young person, regardless of background, has the opportunity to build a successful career in accident repair and beyond. By actively supporting both apprentices and employers, we can help close the skills gap and build a more sustainable future for the industry.”
